Crowds will return to the Australian Open from tomorrow, with a 50 per cent capacity limit enforced for the final four days of the tournament.

Tennis Australia and health authorities agreed to allow masked punters to return to Melbourne Park after it was announced a five-day lockdown would be lifted at midnight tonight.

“The crowd will be capped at 7477 for each session, which is approximately 50 per cent capacity,” Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said.

United States' Serena Williams, right, serves to Russia's Anastasia Potapova during their third round match on Rod Laver Arena.
Serena Williams, right, serves to Russia’s Anastasia Potapova during their third round match on Rod Laver Arena. (AP)

“Last week we had our first real experience of live sport with fans in the stands and the atmosphere was electric.

“The players appreciated the opportunity to compete in front of crowds for the first time in almost a year, and many spoke about how emotional it was to connect with fans again.”

Earlier today Premier Daniel Andrews said a decision on the tennis tournament would be made “as soon as possible”.

Currently no crowds are allowed at the event, with ticketholders intending on attending in the past five days having to stay home.

With the lockdown staying in place until midnight tonight, the blockbuster clash between Rafael Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas will be played in an empty Rod Laver Arena.

But tomorrow morning’s clash between Naomi Osaki and Serena Williams will be played in front of a socially distanced crowd.

No new coronavirus cases have been diagnosed in Victoria in the past 24 hours.

Nearly 40,000 tests were conducted across the state in the past 24 hours.

Novak Djokovic plays in an empty Melbourne Park yesterday. (Getty)

Hospitality venues have a density quotient of one person per two square metres, but up to 25 patrons are allowed before that rule applies.

Cinemas and galleries will be open at 50 percent total capacity. Zoos and amusement parks are open at 75 percent of venue capacity.

Nightclubs are open with a maximum of 50 people on the dancefloor. Gaming venues are open with every second machine turned off.

Empty roads in Melbourne as the lockdown begins.
Empty roads in Melbourne as the lockdown begins. (Getty)

Real estate inspections and auctions are allowed to operate with a density quotient of one person per square metres.

Hairdressers and beauty salons are open but face masks are required, but can be removed for beauty services.

Brothels and sex on premises venues are open with a one person per four square metres density quotient.

People go for a run along the Princes Park track in Melbourne.
People go for a run along the Princes Park track in Melbourne. (Getty)



This content first appear on 9news

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